SC to pursue the experts’ opinion regarding motorbikes on motorways

Ahmad Shehryar

22 Jan 2020

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has decided to pursue the opinion and recommendations of experts on the case of motorbikes not being allowed on motorways in the country.

According to the details, a three-member bench in the Supreme Court was formed for the hearing of the case against the verdict of the Lahore High Court related to allowing motorbikes on motorways. The bench was headed by Justice Mushir Alam who adjourned the case for two weeks after deciding to take recommendations from experts on this matter. On this occasion, the Additional Attorney General told that the motorbike riding was banned on motorways primarily due to the public safety. On the other hand, another member of the bench Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also pointed out that the safety of those commuting on motorways was the responsibility of the government. However, he added that only motorbikes were banned to enter the motorways whereas hundreds of unfit cars were allowed without any restriction.

According to the motorway rules, motorbikes are allowed with a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a minimum of 65 km/h, Advocate Babar Sattar remarked. The bench-head Justice Mushir Alam said that motorbikes were also allowed back in 2010 until 2013 and during this period, no lives were harmed. It is pertinent to mention here that heavy bikes above 600 cc engine capacity were allowed to commute on Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) back on 15^th December 2019. However, several regulatory conditions were also made compulsory for their entry on M-2 and the one-time use of Lahore-Islamabad Motorway was supervised by the National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP). It included minimum age criteria of 35 years, a valid motorbike license, a valid registration number plate, a maximum speed of 120 km/h and mechanically fit motorbikes with proper reflectors installed.

The motorbike community, on the other hand, wants the government to regularize the entry of motorbikes on motorways under certain rules. Should the motorbike be allowed on motorways? Let us know with your suggestion on this matter and stay connected with PakWheels for any further development in this story.